CORONAVIRUS

Bluff, Mexican Hat Moved From ‘Yellow’ Back To ‘Orange’ Status

May 22, 2020, 1:45 PM | Updated: 2:38 pm

FILE: Gov. Gary Herbert....

FILE: Gov. Gary Herbert.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Governor Gary Herbert moved Bluff and Mexican Hat, in San Juan County, back into the more serious threat level of Orange.

In a statement Herbert said, “Because of difficult conditions in the Navajo Nation and along its borders, we are transitioning the municipalities of Bluff and Mexican Hat from yellow to orange to signal a significant health risk in the area.  We very much appreciate working with Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez on efforts to combat COVID-19. Our hearts go out to all of our Navajo friends who have been impacted by this awful virus.”

The order was effective immediately.

The transition back to Orange was made after the two cities requested Governor Herbert to make the move. Herbert met with local and state health officials before issuing the order, a news release said.

A spokeswoman for the Governor’s office confirmed that this is the first time the Governor ordered an area to move form a lower risk level to a higher risk level.

The orange level is a moderate risk status and the yellow level is low risk according to the Governor’s color-coded Utah Leads Together phased guidelines.

Most of the state moved to the yellow level last Saturday.

Bluff and Mexican Hat are in San Juan County which is also where part of the Navajo Nation lies in Utah.

The most recent update from the Utah Health Department shows there are 254 confirmed cases of COVIDE-19 and four deaths in San Juan County, and the Navajo Nation reports 725 confirmed cases in the San Juan portion of the reservation.

Utah’s color-coded health guidance for Southeastern Utah does not apply to the current situation on Navajo Nation lands located in Utah, as these are sovereign lands, according to a news release from Herbert’s office.

The release said the State of Utah strongly encourages Utah residents living on tribal lands to follow all tribal health directives. The reservation currently has one of the highest per capita rates of COVID-19 in the country.

Tribal leaders have enforced highly restrictive weekend lockdowns to slow the spread of the disease.

This holiday weekend’s lockdown begins at 8 p.m. Friday and ends at 5 a.m. Memorial Day.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

FILE: Former Utah Jazz John Stockton reacts during a 76-70 Wichita State win over the Gonzaga Bulld...

Michael Houck

Former Utah Jazz star John Stockton sues Washington medical director about COVID misinformation policy

Former Utah Jazz superstar John Stockton has filed a federal lawsuit against Washington officials on First Amendment violations, arguing the state's policy of COVID-19 misinformation is unconstitutional.

16 days ago

Deer Creek Reservoir...

Alex Cabrero

State parks expecting another record visitation year, hiring more workers

It didn't matter how cold or snowy it was at Deer Creek State Park Friday afternoon. Nothing was going to stop Leonard Sawyer from taking his boat out to do a little fishing.

1 month ago

FILE —  Respiratory virus illness activity continues to increase across the US.
(Joe Burbank/Orl...

Emma Benson

‘Not viruses to mess around with’: Experts urge caution during ongoing ‘tripledemic’

Experts say though not as severe as last year, this winter we're seeing another "tripledemic" – rising cases of COVID-19, flu and RSV in Utah.

3 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Emma Benson

‘The ICUs are full:’ Keep yourself and others healthy this holiday

It's time for holiday gatherings, but with more people around us comes a greater risk of getting sick.

3 months ago

Julianna Preece goes through the mountain of medical documents she's acquired for her health condit...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Herriman couple is suing CVS, says 5x Covid vaccine dose mistake caused health problems

A couple is suing a Utah CVS vaccination clinic, saying a nurse’s mistake led to the wife receiving five times the normal COVID-19 vaccine dose and caused serious health issues she’s still dealing with today.

4 months ago

FILE - COVID-19 antigen home tests. (AP Photo/Patrick Sison, File)Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS...

Associated Press

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery.

4 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Bluff, Mexican Hat Moved From ‘Yellow’ Back To ‘Orange’ Status